Socket device

Abstract

A socket device (e.g., a charging device) comprising a housing and a movable cover coupled to the housing and being movable relative to the housing between a use position and a stowed position. The housing may comprise a movable assembly and a transfer structure. The movable cover in the use position may project above, at least partially, an outer surface of the housing. The housing may comprise a transfer structure. The transfer structure may have an axis and may be configured to rotate about the axis. The movable assembly may be configured to, in response to the insertion of the plug device, cause rotation of the transfer structure to move the movable cover from the stowed position to the use position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A charging device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a movable cover coupled to the housing and being movable relative to the housing between a use position and a stowed position, wherein the movable cover in the use position projects above, at least partially, an outer surface of the housing in response to an insertion of a plug device; 
 a movable assembly configured to move in the housing in response to the insertion of the plug device; and 
 a transfer structure in the housing, wherein the transfer structure has an axis and is configured to rotate about the axis, and wherein the movable assembly is configured to, in response to the insertion of the plug device, cause rotation of the transfer structure to move the movable cover from the stowed position to the use position. 
 
     
     
       2. The charging device of  claim 1 , wherein the transfer structure comprises a gear. 
     
     
       3. The charging device of  claim 1 , wherein the transfer structure comprises a first portion of a first surface and a second portion of a second surface, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are on opposite sides of the transfer structure. 
     
     
       4. The charging device of  claim 1 , wherein the transfer structure comprises a first side and a second side on opposite ends of the transfer structure. 
     
     
       5. The charging device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises:
 an opening, and 
 a bracket corresponding to the opening and connected to the housing, 
 wherein the bracket comprises a guide groove, and 
 wherein the movable assembly is configured to connect to the guide groove. 
 
     
     
       6. The charging device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a spring connected to the movable cover and the housing, and configured to apply a force to the movable cover to cause the movable cover to move toward the stowed position. 
 
     
     
       7. The charging device of  claim 1 , wherein the movable cover is in a form of a cap, and comprises:
 a panel comprising holes configured to receive the plug device; and 
 a support formed by extending from an outer peripheral edge of the panel toward a second surface of the housing, wherein the panel and the support form a cavity in which the moving assembly and the transfer structure are located. 
 
     
     
       8. A charging device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a movable cover coupled to the housing and being movable relative to the housing between a use position and a stowed position, wherein the movable cover in the use position projects above, at least partially, an outer surface of the housing in response to an insertion of a plug device; 
 a movable assembly; and 
 a transfer structure in the housing having a first portion of a first surface and a second portion of a second surface on opposite sides of the transfer structure, wherein the transfer structure has an axis and is configured to rotate about the axis, and wherein in response to the insertion of the plug device, the movable assembly is configured to be in contact with the first portion of the first surface and cause rotation of the transfer structure to move the movable cover from the stowed position to the use position. 
 
     
     
       9. The charging device of  claim 8 , wherein the rotation of the transfer structure causes the second portion of the second surface to move towards to the outer surface of the housing. 
     
     
       10. The charging device of  claim 8 , wherein the first surface and the second surface are part of the same surface of the transfer structure. 
     
     
       11. The charging device of  claim 8 , wherein the transfer structure comprises a gear. 
     
     
       12. The charging device of  claim 8 , wherein the axis is located between the first portion of the first surface and the second portion of the second surface. 
     
     
       13. The charging device of  claim 8 , wherein the movable assembly is configured to move in the housing in response to the insertion of the plug device. 
     
     
       14. The charging device of  claim 8 , where the movable assembly comprises a rack configured to be in contact with the first portion of the first surface. 
     
     
       15. A charging device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a movable cover coupled to the housing and being movable relative to the housing between a use position and a stowed position, wherein the movable cover in the use position projects above, at least partially, an outer surface of the housing in response to an insertion of a plug device; 
 a movable assembly; and 
 a transfer structure in the housing having a first side and a second side, wherein the transfer structure has an axis and is configured to rotate about the axis, and wherein in response to the insertion of the plug device, the movable assembly is configured to be in contact with the first side and cause rotation of the transfer structure to move the movable cover from the stowed position to the use position. 
 
     
     
       16. The charging device of  claim 15 , wherein the axis is located between the first side and second side. 
     
     
       17. The charging device of  claim 15 , wherein the first side and the second side are on opposite ends of the transfer structure. 
     
     
       18. The charging device of  claim 15 , wherein the rotation of the transfer structure causes the second side to move towards to the outer surface of the housing. 
     
     
       19. The charging device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a spring connected to the movable cover and the housing, and configured to apply a force to the movable cover to cause the movable cover to move toward the stowed position. 
 
     
     
       20. The charging device of  claim 15 , wherein the movable assembly is configured to move in the housing in response to the insertion of the plug device.